A large number of people living in industrialized nations today suffer from illnesses or diseases caused by the stress of acidosis – modern lifestyle and diet contribute to this problem as they are responsible for the acidification of the body. A typical western diet is largely made up of acid forming foods like cereals, sugars and high proteins and processed foods. Alkaline producing foods like vegetables and fruits are eaten in smaller quantities. Stimulants like tobacco, tea, coffee, alcohol and stress are the main promoters of acidification and the illnesses that follow.
Most foods are alkaline in nature while a diet that is high in animal products like meats, eggs, dairy products, white flour, soft drinks and alcohol are mostly acid producing. To maintain good health the diet should be 60% alkaline. We need to include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables (alkaline in nature) to balance the excess protein intake which are mainly acidifying foods. A diet that is high in processed foods, simple carbohydrates like sugars are not just acid forming but can also raise the blood sugar levels.
It has been said that our bodies are alkaline by design but acidic in nature. Maintaining proper alkalinity is essential to life, vitality and health. In other words, an imbalance of alkalinity creates an ideal condition or environment for the growth of bacteria, yeast and unwanted organisms. All the cells in our body are slightly alkaline in nature. This must be maintained in order to remain healthy. Good health is in an alkaline medium. Modern concepts of diets and the intake of processed foods, foods made from white flour, sugar and fat, use of alcohol and soft drinks, stress, unhealthy lifestyle and environmental pollutants contribute to producing a more acidic medium for our body.
Human blood should be slightly alkaline (7.35 to 7.45). A pH (potential of Hydrogen) below 7.0 is acidic, above 7.0 is alkaline and 7.0 is neutral. pH is the measure of acidity or alkalinity of a solution – the ratio between positively charged ions (acid forming) and negatively charged ions (alkaline forming). The pH factor of a solution is the measure of its hydrogen ion concentration. Acidic pH occurs from a diet rich in acidic foods, stress, toxic overload and drugs. This puts pressure on the body’s regulating system to maintain pH neutrality. When an acidic pH occurs the body compensates by using minerals to create an alkaline medium. The extra buffering required can deplete the body of its alkaline minerals like calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium, making the body more prone to degenerative and chronic diseases.
Most of the degenerative diseases, including arthritis, osteoporosis, heart diseases, gall and kidney stones and cancer are associated with excess acidity in the body. Chronic metabolic acidosis can result in osteoporosis as the excess acid depletes the mineral reserves and impairs bone growth and rebuilding. Metabolic acidosis is caused by diets which are high in proteins, fats, phosphates and sulphates, stress and allergic reactions.
Acidosis leads to a decrease in the body’s capacity to absorb minerals and other nutrients, decreases the body’s ability to detoxify and reduces energy production in the cells. The cause of acidosis are kidney, liver and adrenal disorders, improper diet, ketosis, stress, fear, anorexia, and excess use of aspirin. Symptoms include the following…
Slow digestion and elimination.
Obesity and diabetes.
Cardiovascular damage.
Immune deficiency.
Premature aging.
Osteoporosis, arthritis and joint pain.
Chronic fatigue and/or low energy levels.
Excess stomach acid & gastritis.
Leg cramps & spasms.
persistent colds and infections.
Symptoms of Alkalosis…
Alkalosis occurs when the body is too alkaline and is often caused by excessive intake of alkaline drugs for the treatment of peptic ulcers and gastritis. The symptoms include sore muscles, drowsiness, hypertension, vomiting, chronic indigestion and cramps.
List of some alkaline and acid forming foods:
Examples of alkaline foods:
Vegetables like alfalfa, broccoli, beans, beets, cabbage, cucumber, carrots, lettuce, kale, onions, pumpkin, peppers, tomato, raddish, watercress ,bamboo shoots.
Fruits like apple, apricot, avocado, berries, banana, cantaloupe, dates, figs, grapefruit, melon, orange, peach, pineapple, strawberries.
Nuts like almonds, chestnuts.
Herbs, ginger, lemon, tofu, millets.
Examples of acid forming foods:
Vegetables like squash, olive, lentils, corn, canned fruits, bran, barley, bread, wheat, white flour, noodles, macroni, rice, spaghetti, kidney beans, most beans, soy milk, butter, cheese, milk, sugars, chocolates, saturated fats.
The answer to restoring pH balance lies in:
1. Intake of alkalizing fruits & vegetables, pulses, nuts & seeds.
2. Fat intake should be minimum.
3. Reduce excess intake of meats.
4. Drink plenty of water.
5. Reduce stress by regular moderate exercises, yoga and meditation.
6. Get good rest and sleep.
Incorporate two to three glasses of lime juices, with 8 to 10 glasses of water daily and follow a diet which is 60 to 7o percent alkaline foods in order to maintain optimum health. An ideal condition with these recommendations will leave you calm with high energy levels, sound sleep, a fortified immune system and good digestion and elimination.
The diet recommended below is a vegetarian , high fiber, low fat diet with plenty of vegetables , fruits and whole grains in order to promote healthy digestion.
| Breakfast | 1 to 2 glasses of warm water with half a lemon and 1 tsp honey 1 cup of herbal or green tea Have an assortment of fruits till noon, This can include fruits like Banana, apples, oranges, sweet lime, melons, musk melons, pears, Strawberries, peaches and plums. |
| Lunch | 1 glass fresh vegetable juice made from tomato, carrots and celery. Chapatis made from millets OR brown rice OR whole wheat bread Vegetables made with minimum oil and spices Dal or sprouts and a bowl of yogurt |
| Evening | 1 cup of green tea or herbal tea A small helping of mixed nuts like almonds, cashew and walnuts. OR a small helping of roasted, low oil snacks |
Dinner |
1 bowl of vegetable or tomato soup Vegetable pulao or chapatti A bowl of salad with leafy vegetables. |
Avoid |
Fried snacks Processed and canned foods Desserts and sweets Aerated drinks, soft drinks, milk shakes, alcohol |